State drops charges in Camden man’s death

The Delaware Attorney General’s office has dropped assault and weapons charges against a Camden-area teen accused in May of shooting his grandfather.

Staff reports

The Delaware Attorney General’s office has dropped assault and weapons charges against a Camden-area teen accused in May of shooting his grandfather.

John Rash, 17, was arrested May 26 following the death of Charles W. Seamans, 84. An investigation by Delaware State Police indicated Seamans and Rash had been arguing when Rash used a shotgun to shoot Seamans once in the stomach.

Seamans died three days later.

When arrested, Rash was charged with first-degree assault and possession of a firearm during commission of a felony and jailed at the Stevenson Detention Center in Milford.

Jason Miller, public information officer for the Delaware Department of Justice, said the state dropped the charges on June 23.

“After a thorough review of the evidence in the case, the Department of Justice has determined that there is insufficient evidence to proceed with an indictment against John Rash at this time,” Miller said in an email to the Dover Post.

The charges were dropped with prejudice, meaning they could be reinstated after further investigation.

“The Delaware State Police and the Department of Justice continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Seamans,” Miller said.

Miller added he could not comment further on the case because of the ongoing investigation.